Resident Visa Based on Accumulated Time of Stay

The resident visa based on accumulated time of stay may be requested by individuals who have remained in Colombian territory continuously (without absences exceeding 180 consecutive days) and uninterruptedly (having extended their stay by processing visas before the expiration of the previous one or within the 30-day regularization period) for 2 years, as the primary holder of:

• A Type M visa as the spouse or permanent partner of a Colombian national, or
• A visa as a national of a member state of the "Agreement on Residence for Nationals of Mercosur Member States, Bolivia, and Chile."

This visa grants an open work permit, allowing the holder to engage in any lawful activity in the country.

General Requirements for Resident Visa Application

• Photocopy of the first page of a valid passport showing biographical data (color or black-and-white).
• Proof of legal entry into the country (copy of the passport page with the latest entry stamp, safe-conduct, or exit stamp from Colombia).
• Copy of the previously issued Colombian visa (if applicable).
• Passport-sized photo (3×4 cm), white background, facing forward (max. 300 KB, JPG format).

Important Considerations When Applying

• Documents (except ID and travel documents) must have been issued no more than 3 months before application.
• Foreign-issued documents must be legalized or apostilled.
• Documents in a language other than Spanish require an official, legalized/apostilled translation.
• The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs may request criminal background information.

Specific Requirements

• Copies of all visas and safe-conducts held during the stay in Colombia.
• Migration Movement Certificate issued by the Special Administrative Unit of Migration Colombia.
• Document certifying occupation and/or income source.
• Proof that the conditions justifying the last visa remain valid.

Resident Visa Application Costs

Two payments are required:

1. Application Processing Fee

• €40 if applying from Europe or Cuba.
• €52 if applying from Colombia or elsewhere in the world.
• €23 for Ecuadorian nationals applying from Europe/Cuba.
• $30 USD for Ecuadorian nationals applying from Colombia/elsewhere.
• Free for Spanish nationals.

2. Visa Issuance Fee (Upon Approval)

• €301 if applying from Europe or Cuba.
• €391 if applying from Colombia or elsewhere in the world.
• Free for:
  • Peruvian nationals settling in the Amazon/Putumayo river basins.
  • Ecuadorian, Spanish, Japanese, or Korean nationals.

Need a Resident Visa?

Our Expert Colombian Visa Lawyers are here to assist with your application. Tell us about your case, and let’s start processing your visa today!